Chard Rural West — Neighbourhood Policing Team

Keep doors and windows locked and vehicles secure at all times, see anything suspicious please call 999 immediately for emergencies, or for non-emergencies, call 101 or you can Report via our website. It is important to take extra steps to keep yourself safe when out and about during the darker nights. Personal safety tips Plan ahead: Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return Stay visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing and stick to well-lit routes Keep your phone charged: Ensure you have a way to call for help if needed Avoid distractions: Keep headphones low and stay aware of your surroundings. Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong, leave the area and seek help In an emergency, always call 999. For non-emergencies, contact 101 or Report online.

Set: 2026-07-05

Over the last month we have seen an spate in burglaries of homes and businesses, as well as theft of vehicles in the rural areas of the rural areas.. In response our local teams as well as our Rural Crime Team are carrying out high visibility patrols, whilst working with effected communities to try and detect, deter and prevent further crime. We are also advising residents to check that their home and outbuildings (such as sheds or garages) are secure, by taking simple precautions. These include locking windows and doors when you go out, even if just stepping next door or out in the garden. Investigations into these burglaries are ongoing, but we would like to remind the public that if you have witnessed anything or have information that you think could be of help, please make sure you call us on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or alternatively if you have been a victim or witness of a rural crime you can report it via our new Report a rural crime reporting form on our website. You can also find further information and advice on home security and many other subject via our Crime prevention advice on our website. Additionally rural crimes can be reduced by the use of Watch schemes, to join the Farm Watch Scheme or to find out more information please see our Farm Watch | Avon and Somerset Police page on our website.

Set: 2026-07-05

Working with Community Speedwatch and our colleagues in Speed Enforcement we are working to reduce the number of speeding vehicles in the outlying villages. If you feel your village would benefit from a Community SpeedWatch, you can apply through the Community SpeedWatch page on our website. We are currently visiting repeat offenders to remind them that speed limits are in place for a reason and will be enforced.

Set: 2026-07-05